Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason out for season opener

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants are going into their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys without middle linebacker Jon Beason and wide receiver Victor Cruz.

The Giants announced the injuries on Friday with Beason a bit of a surprise.

Beason had sprained a knee in the preseason and missed the final two preseason games. He returned to practice on Wednesday but was held out Thursday because he was sore. He said later in the afternoon his plan was to play.

That changed on Friday.

The Giants don't have a lot of depth at middle linebacker after cutting Jameel McClain. Mark Herzlich has the most experience. First-year pro Uani Unga has never played in an NFL game and veteran Jasper Brinkley joined the team this week.